Siv Ngesi joins outrage over old SA flag flown at Springbok game

17 September 2018 - 09:46
By Kyle Zeeman

Presenter Siv Ngesi has slammed the flying of an old SA flag at a rugby match over the weekend.
Image:
Via Instagram

Celebrities, including Siv Ngesi and Tumisho Masha, have added their voice to the outrage over the old South African flag being flown during the Springbok's match against the All Blacks in New Zealand over the weekend.

The flag, which was being held by a person near the player's entrance tunnel of the stadium, was spotted by TV cameras during the match and quickly sparked an outcry on social media.

Speaking to New Zealand publication Newshub, Westpac Stadium CEO Shane Harmon said security did not immediately recognise the flag but after seeing the reaction on social media, quickly removed it.

"We didn’t initially recognise the flag, but with some quick reference checking, we were able to ascertain that it was the pre-1994 South African flag. We understand the flag is from the apartheid era and offensive to many South Africans and, as a result, we asked the patrons to remove it.”

Shane said that no further action would be taken against the person who brought the flag to the stadium but they would be more vigilant in the future.

"We’ll take further advice for future events, but our assessment at the time was that the flag was not illegal but had potential to cause offence. We acted appropriately when it was brought to our attention. We’ve had flag protocols for many visiting teams and events over the years, but this particular one has never been brought to our attention."

I'm very disappointed & hurt by the display of the apartheid government in foreign country, as that bring back the dark memories of black's oppression. Dr @robertmarawa could you please send your scorpion to NZL official to track down that white racist who wave the flag? pic.twitter.com/Ks0yphz3TF

I totally get the outrage but even here in South Africa, the public or private display of the apartheid flag is yet to be declared illegal perhaps that should be the starting point https://t.co/YMsS6JMCNG